College Park High School Senior Lighting Ceremony Marks Start of Class of 2026’s Final Year

College Park High School celebrates seniors with tradition, recognition, and class pins

Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, 6:30 p.m.

College Park High School seniors and their families filled the school auditorium Monday night for the annual Senior Lighting ceremony, the traditional kickoff to the Class of 2026’s final year.

As seniors and guests arrived, they were welcomed by a Senior tribute slideshow. Each slide paired a current senior photo with a childhood picture submitted by families, highlighting the transformation from young child to senior year. At check-in, seniors also received a commemorative lapel pin featuring the school crest and 21 stars, symbolizing College Park’s 21st graduating class

Opening Traditions

The evening began with the presentation of colors by the College Park Marine Corps. JROTC, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge, led by seniors Abigail Fehrle and Avery Stafford. The College Park Choir then performed the national anthem.

Student Welcome and Introductions

Student Body President Caleb Cook officially welcomed the Class of 2026, introducing school administrators, counselors, and teachers, and thanking staff, families, and the PTO for their support. He urged classmates to embrace the year fully:

“There’s one thing we will always have in common, and that is the joy, the honor, and pride of being a College Park Cavalier. Let’s promise each other to support, encourage, and love one another, so we can leave high school having no regrets”.

Principal’s Challenge to Seniors

After Cook’s introductions, Principal Robert McFarland addressed the class, encouraging them to take full advantage of their senior year.

“Seize every opportunity in front of you,” McFarland said. “Tackle your class with focus from day one, set the standard of excellence for others to follow, and most importantly, make time for fun. Join activities, attend events, support one another, and participate in all that College Park has to offer. Embrace every moment of your final year of high school. You’ll never have it again”.

He also reminded students of the school’s guiding principles: “Remember the core values you’ve learned here — commitment, pride, honor, success. Carry these with you, for they will serve you throughout your life”.

Spirit Performances

The program featured spirited performances by the College Park underclassman cheerleaders, the College Park High School Choir, and the College Park High School Marching Band. The Reveliers dance team also performed, with juniors Brooke McGrath and Lily Rickabaugh representing the squad and drawing strong support from the audience

Closing Traditions

The highlight of the evening came with the unveiling of the Class of 2026 banner. As the auditorium lights dimmed, the College Park High School Herald Trumpets — the official fanfare ensemble of the school — performed a stately introduction while the banner was revealed to cheers from the audience. The ceremony then concluded with the school song and fight song, sung by the audience and choir.

Afterward, families and students gathered in the foyer for a reception sponsored by the College Park HS PTO